Anna Lee Vela

Anna Lee Vela passed away peacefully at her home in Victorville during the early morning of June 22, 2026. Her family and a few close friends came together throughout those early morning hours to pray and honor her with their final goodbyes.

She was born on December 2, 1939, in Falfurrias, Texas to David Henry Williams and Lola Williams (Vasquez). While she was still a little girl, her family planted their roots in Kingsville, Texas where she grew up, attended school, and met and married the love of her life, Juan Jose Vela. They had two children, John David and Sandra Ann, before making the big decision to move to California in the early 1960s.

Settling in the Los Angeles area, they eventually bought a home in Baldwin Park, Ca. where they had their youngest daughter, Katrina Yvonne.

Anna worked full time in factories moving her way up to lead and supervisor positions until eventually finding her true passion in a career with the Baldwin Park School District. She held many positions at schools and at the district. But what she loved most was working with the families and helping the students.

After retirement, Juan and Anna sold their home in Baldwin Park and moved to Victorville, Ca bringing along her father, David, to care for him in her home. Family was always everything to her. On any given day, you could find her taking care of her grandchildren with dedication and unconditional love or helping out at the church as a faithful, devoted servant to the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Juan Jose Vela, her daughter, Sandra Ann Vela, her great grandson, Isaac A. Mendiola, her son-in-law, Frank Galvan, her parents, David and Lola Williams, and her brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Alma Williams along with many other beloved family members.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Rose Vela, her daughter Katrina Galvan, her grandchildren - Andrea Mendiola, Rachael Acereto, John J. Vela, Samantha Vela, Adrian Rodarte, Justine Seymour, Cerina Galvan, and Marianna Galvan, her great grandchildren - Adam Mendiola, David Acereto, Noemi Acereto, Penelope Vela, James Seymour, and Mateo Salazar, and her great- great granddaughter - Evette Mendiola.

Throughout her life, she was beloved and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her thoughtful nature made others feel truly seen and valued.

Anna will be remembered as a warrior, having fought cancer for 44 years with strength, dignity, and faith. Her faithful presence and resilient strength were a source of comfort in difficult moments, and her inspirational example will continue to guide the hearts of those she leaves behind.